Tools of problem solving

Good problem solving skills empower managers in their professional and personal lives. Good problem solving skills seldom come naturally; they are consciously learnt and nurtured. The range of good problem solving skills includes:

• developing creative and innovative solutions;

• developing practical solutions;

• showing independence and initiative in identifying problems and solving them;

• applying a range of strategies to problem-solving;

• applying problem-solving strategies across a range of areas;

What is a Problem?

1. A problem is an opportunity for improvement. “Every problem has a gift for you in its hands,” problem” and “opportunity

The questions such as:

• Is there more than one "problem” and “opportunity?

• Is it my personal "problem” and “opportunity? Is it the organization’s problem” and “opportunity?

• Is it an actual "problem” and “opportunity or just an annoyance?

• Is this the real "problem” and “opportunity, or merely a symptom of a larger one?

2. A problem is the difference between the actual state and desired state.

A problem could also be the result of the knowledge that there is a gap between the actual and desired or ideal state of objectives. Clarity of the problem is determined by the clarity of the knowledge of what precisely one wants and what one has. Greater clarity of the problem helps in finding a better and effective solution.

3. A problem results from the recognition of a present imperfect and the belief in the possibility of a better future. The belief that one’s hopes can be achieved will give one the will to aim towards a better future. Hopes challenge one’s potential, and challenge is another definition of a problem.

When confronted with a problem, people are likely to adopt either of the two approaches – spot it or mop it.

Spot it:

Prevent It. Preventing a problem from occurring or recurring is the most ideal solution. The prevention approach is often a difficult one to apply because it requires predictive foresight (“this might be a problem someday if we don’t act now”). For example, by preventing a cold, or an automobile accident, one can avoid the need to deal any further with a problem or its effects.

Eliminate It. Eliminating a problem once and for all is also an ideal way of attacking a problem. If a tank were leaking, an elimination solution would be to plug/seal or otherwise repair the leak, the cause of the problem. To solve by eliminating should be considered in nearly every problem situation.

Reduce It. The magnitude of any problem can be lessened by reducing its size. Suppose the tank is leaking and a repair (an elimination-solution) is not possible until a day or two later. The problem could be reduced by turning often he incoming water. Without line pressure on the tank, the leak would slow down;that would be better than a full force leak.

Mop It:

A mop-it approach focuses on the effects of a problem. Instead of treating the leak itself, the water on the floor is mopped up - the effects of the problem.

• Treat It: Here the damage caused by the problem is repaired or treated. The water on the floor is mopped up and the damaged floor is fixed. But, it should be noted that: (1) by itself a treat-it solution is not going to be nearly as effective as some form of stop-it solution and (2) treat-it solutions are often needed in addition to an elimination or reduction form of solution.

• Tolerate It. In this form of mop-it approach, the effects of the problem are put up with. In the leaky water example, one might install a drain in the floor, or waterproof the floor. The effects are taken for granted and measures are taken to endure them.

• Redirect It. Here the problem is deflected. Sometimes the problem will simply be redefined as not a problem. It is hard to think of a legitimate redirection for the leaking water problem, but suppose that the leak is small and the floor is not being damaged. One might say, “Well, I need the humidity; the leak is actually a good thing.” It should be remembered that a problem is a problem only when someone defines it as such.